I really wanted to read this book. The maternal side of my family are Mennonite. As with all religions, they have different sects. Some of the stories surprised me, as I have not seen all of what was written. Keep an open mind that not all Mennonite are alike.

“What Mennonite Girls are Good For” by Jennifer Sears is a Bildungsroman told in 11 vignettes from the life of a Mennonite girl named Ruthie. These vignettes are arranged chronologically throughout Ruthie’s life varying greatly in setting, narrative style, length, perspective, and subject but tinged throughout with themes of sexuality, faith crises, privilege, self-image, gender roles, and addressing how one’s collective history manifests in one’s own life. The novel maintains an excellent consistency of theme and voice across these diverse chapters and delivers what is absolutely a cohesive narrative about one woman’s struggle to carve a sustainable existence out of her life. Potential readers should note this book does contain discussion and description of potentially sensitive topics such as sexual abuse, exploitation, and assault— including that of children.

“What Mennonite Girls are Good For” offers excellent literary prose; complex, human characters; a nuanced and honest exploration of difficult subjects; and an engaging narrative form. There is little more you could ask from a work of fiction. Sears has not written a feel-good page-turner offering neat solutions to the real problems of a human life to be easily digested, and that is why I would recommend her work so highly.

This story was a bit different slow to start but if you love a good slow burn this one is for you as the story builds up and comes together you will see why this will be a very lovable story